Marlin Camp 9 spring test

[abunaitoo]

Your results may not be the same.
Just what I noted with my rifle.
Nothing scientistic about it.

Got the two Wolff recoil springs to see if it made any difference, if any, with accuracy.
From what I've read, the stock spring is 11lbs.
Wolff springs are16.5lbs and a 21lbs.
Also got a Power Custom blue buffer from Brownells
Ammo is Winchester 115gr FMJ, 100rd pack.
Shooting off the bench. 50yds and 100yds. It was a little windy.
1) Tried it with just the buffer changed.
Both felt about the same when I squeezed them. Maybe the blue was a little softer, but I didn't notice.
It did kind of feel like it had less of a clunking when the bolt went back.
Accuracy was a little better which was a surprise. Not by much, but it was something.
2) Changed to the 16.5 spring.
Easy to install. Pulling charging handle felt the same.
Felt recoil felt about the same. Still had bolt clunking. Maybe a little less.
Accuracy was about the same.
3) Changed to the 21lbs spring.
This one was not that easy to get the trigger group in.
There is a bullet guide ramp, in the trigger group, that the bolt rest on when closed. With the stronger spring, it was hard to align the pin holes.
Discovered a trick to make it easier. After installing the bolt, put a pencil in the port to hold the bolt back a little. The trigger group will fall into place, and the holes are easy to align.
Charging handle was much harder to pull back. Much harder.
Felt recoil was much less. No clunking Felt easier to keep it target.
Accuracy was about the same.
Function was no problem. Empties all seemed to go the same place. I use a net to catch brass, and keep from hitting the neighbor.
Shells didn't look any different from test to test. All had powder blow back on them.
Groups were from 1/4" to 3" at 50yds and 3" to 7" at 100yds. Had a few two shots almost touching at 50yds.
Except for the stiffer charging handle pull back, I think the 21lbs spring is the best bet. It seems to keep the bolt from hitting the buffer. Doesn't seem to affect accuracy any. I think it would be better in the long run.

[kens]

I love both of the Camps, the 9 & 45.
they are a hoot.

[abunaitoo]

I had a Camp 45.
Sold it.
Like the 9mm better.

[NoZombies]

I loaded some ridiculously light subsonic 9mm for the camp9 with the factory spring. We're talking 110 grain bullets at 800 FPS light. and the gun with the factory spring still runs them just fine. I had a custom buffer made up out of teflon. It's harder than the factor buffer, but it still cushions the receiver and is impervious to any of the oils or solvents in common use.

I've since gone to the 16.5lb spring, Im still running light subs through the suppressor, but I moved up to 125 and 135 grain bullets for the project. I'm PC'ing them to prevent leading the suppressor up. It's a hoot in the backyard.